Bill Introduced to Prevent Bullying and Gang Violence in Schools

Press Release

Bill Introduced to Prevent Bullying and Gang Violence in Schools
Ehlers cosponsors bi-partisan bill to make schools safer

Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers, along with Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), introduced the Bullying and Gang Reduction for Improved Education Act in the U.S. House today. The bill would allow schools to use existing federal funding specifically for bullying and gang prevention programs.

Currently, the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA), which was implemented as part of the No Child Left Behind Act to prevent school violence, does not mention bullying or harassment, and contains only a few fleeting references to gang violence.

The bill introduced today by Reps. Ehlers and Sanchez would amend SDFSCA to allow schools to use funding they receive from SDFSCA to implement anti-bullying and gang programs. It also expands the purpose of the SDFSCA to specifically include the promotion of healthy, physically active lifestyles so that children become involved in positive social activities rather than turning toward gang activity.

"Bullying is not just harmless horseplay among kids, but a serious problem in many schools in the country," said Congressman Ehlers. "Bullying distracts from students' education and can lead to future violence if school officials and parents do not intervene. This bill will give schools the tools to identify bullying and gang problems, and provide emergency intervention programs so schools can intervene before someone is seriously hurt or killed. It also will provide counseling and help to victims so they are less likely to retaliate with violence or turn to gangs for protection."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education report that youth often join gangs to get protection from bullying, and that bullying is frequently linked to school shooting incidents.

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids supports the measure. "This important legislation recognizes that a safe and secure school environment is a necessary precursor to academic learning and success," said the organization's Senior Vice President Jan Wierenga. "Also, I am very pleased the bill includes the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The importance of programs like those offered at the YMCA, which promote character development while giving youth access to structured physical activity during critical after school hours, cannot be underestimated."

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, of which Congressman Ehlers is a member.

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